I've been reading the Suzuki forum for a couple of days. Lots of great info. I thought I was sold on a SP500efi until I rode a KQ700 this past weekend at the local dealer. I really like the KQ700 but I'm wondering if the KQ450 would be just as good on the trails. I know there will be less top end performance out of the KQ450 but I don't need to do 70mph on the trails. Is the bottom-end and mid-range power on the KQ450 close to the KQ700? I found a review of the KQ450 and a video. http://www.atvriders.com/atvreviews/suzuki2007kingquad4...tyatvpressintro.html This guy is riding the crap out of the KQ450. If the KQ450 will do this without keeping it at redline all the time it should be more than enough for me. The one thing I saw that I did not like on the KQ was the unprotected radiator. Is there and aftermarket shroud or guard for the radiator? Please let me know what you think about this subject and thanks for all the help.

Having just recently looked at both, if I were going to decide between the two I myself would choose the KQ 700.

While the 450 might be a fine quad, having that extra power is nice to have.

Both are fine machines, but if it were me I would choose the 700.

Good luck
Catfish

Good review of the RZR also in that site with some good video.

Hellloooo McCOB!! Mule is asking about a Zuki not a Poo Poo

Mule you might want to check out Nyroc there are a bunch of KQ people there.

We might be lucky enough to have Stutz and Voodoo to stop in to give their .02 cents.

Catfish

The last few days have learned alot about the RZR seems to be HELL of a machine. Eat your heart out FISHY!

To much Prune Juice will effect the brain.



and its all Cobs fault.

KQ 700,....no second thoughts !

The KQ450 does not have the low-end or mid-range power that the KQ700 (or KQ750) has. Quite frankly, they are nowhere near each other in terms of power.

With that said, it does just fine and will go anywhere the bigger boys go. I myself ride with a bunch of people on sport quads and ride aggressively. The KQ450 is one of the most powerful if not the most powerful in the 400-500cc line-up, outside of the Outlander 500.

My two cents... The only way you'll know which one you want is to ride the 450 and 700 side by side.

Well, the 450 final drive is one tooth each gear different than that of the 700, lowering the final drive ratio a difference of about 6%. This reduces the 450's top speed both mathmatically from the gearing as well as from the relatively lower output motor, being 250 cc smaller.
On the flip side, while the 450 won't go 72 miles an hour like a 700/750, this gearing allows the 450 to behave much closer to its big brother than you would think a 450 would come to a 700, in normal riding conditions!

But as a result, the fuel consumption is not that far apart either.

Anyway, for the relatively small sum in different sticker price the 700 is much more machine. There is 700cc of power at little comprimise in fuel consumption, there are aluminum rims, aluminum knuckles and a third headlight while the base weight is actually a couple of pounds lighter!

And consider this: No matter how conservative you ride and how small a machine you say you will be happy with, before long pretty much every rider says... "How can I hop it up, just a bit?" Yes they do.

In this case Suzuki has made a way that you can get by way of a 450 hop-up, a 250cc or 300CC overbore with a double overhead cam head, all with no effect on the warranty!!! And a central headlight thrown in, and some tricked out aluminum parts, all for under $1000.00!

Just buy a 700/750 instead of the 450.

I agree Totally go with the KQ 700...

Here is a pics of ours..

KQ 700

yeah no matter what you got you always want bigger sooner rather than later so go with the 700/750 to start with and you will be much happier in the long run

I love my 700!

Tnmule,
I realize this is a late reply but I've been out of state due to some family issues.
I'll throw my 1 or 2 cents in. I own a 450 and I have only great reviews to give. I really like my machine and can't wait to ride when I get a chance. My machine has been used in high desert, sand dunes, rivers, mud and has spent alot of time at 10,000 ft. and above, sometimes nearing 12,000. It has performed fine even running with machines that have more cc's. However, the wisdom of our members such as Glenlivet, Warith, Catfish and others are right on. To put it simply, there are times I wish I had a bit more getup and am currently looking into a 700. I can't say my 450 purchase was a mistake but knowing what I know now, get a 700.

...The power will be there if and when you need it... The 750 is out now for 08 and LaMigra has bought one and doing reviews on it now... Although, you can get the 700's now probably a lot cheaper....

Right on Traildust!

Nice pics of your 450!

Catfish